What is a Chair-Based Exercise?
We all know that exercise is crucial for maintaining good health. But what if traditional workouts feel daunting or even impossible? Perhaps you’re recovering from an injury, living with a chronic condition, or simply looking for a gentler approach to fitness.
This is where seated exercise comes in. But what is chair exercise?
Far from being a passive activity, chair exercise can be a dynamic and invigorating form of movement that utilises a chair for support and stability. It’s a misconception that chair exercises are solely for the elderly – they offer a range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about chair exercises including:
- What is chair exercise?
- What is seated and chair yoga?
- What exactly does chair exercise involve?
- Does chair exercise really work?
- Who can benefit from chair exercise?
- What to expect in a chair exercise class
- Find your perfect chair exercise class
Let’s get started.
At MOVEability, our mission is to make exercise accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or gender. We specialise in online and in-person seated exercise classes for all ages and abilities. Join one of our chair exercise classes today.
What is Chair Exercise?
Chair exercise, also known as seated exercise, is a form of low-impact workout that involves performing various movements and exercises while seated in a chair. This type of exercise is perfect for individuals who may have mobility issues, are recovering from an injury, or simply prefer a gentler approach to staying active.
The beauty of chair exercise lies in its versatility – it can be adapted to suit different fitness levels and abilities, making it an inclusive option for everyone.
What is Seated and Chair Yoga?
Chair exercise has many names from seated workouts to chair exercise classes and even seated or chair yoga. So, what is chair yoga? And is there a difference?
Seated and chair yoga are gentle forms of yoga that are adapted for individuals who may have difficulty standing or moving freely. Seated yoga typically involves performing traditional yoga poses while seated on the floor or using a chair for support.
Chair yoga utilises the chair as a prop for balance and support, allowing for modifications to traditional yoga poses. Both practices emphasise breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movements, making them accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. They can help improve flexibility, balance, strength, and overall well-being.
Does Chair Exercise Really Work?
Despite the common misconception that chair exercises are too gentle to be truly effective, they can provide a surprisingly challenging and rewarding workout.
While it may not be as intense as some other forms of exercise, seated chair exercise provides a number of benefits, including:
- Improved Strength and Endurance: Regular chair exercise can significantly improve muscle strength and endurance, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.
- Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: Increased flexibility can improve your range of motion, reducing stiffness and discomfort in joints.
- Better Balance and Coordination: Improved balance and coordination can reduce the risk of falls and increase confidence in everyday movements.
- Boosted Cardiovascular Health: Even low-impact movements can improve cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Improved Mental Well-being: Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Increased Social Interaction: Joining a chair exercise class can provide a valuable opportunity for social interaction and community engagement.
Read our guide for more information: 9 Benefits of Seated Chair Exercises
Who Can Benefit from Chair Exercise?
And the benefits don’t stop there. Chair exercise is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
Seniors
As we age, maintaining strength and flexibility becomes increasingly important. Chair exercises offer a safe and effective way to stay active and independent.
People with Chronic Conditions
Individuals with arthritis, osteoporosis, or other chronic conditions can benefit from the low-impact nature of chair exercises.
People Recovering from Injury
Chair exercises can be a valuable part of a rehabilitation programme, helping to regain strength and mobility after an injury.
Individuals with Limited Mobility
For those with limited mobility or those looking for wheelchair exercise, chair exercises provide a way to stay active and engaged without putting undue stress on the body.
Anyone Looking for a Low-Impact Workout
Even if you don’t have mobility issues, chair exercise can be a great addition to your fitness routine, offering a low-impact alternative to more strenuous workouts.
What Exactly Does Chair Exercise Involve?
Sitting down exercises involve a wide variety of movements, including:
- Strength Training: Gentle exercises that target major muscle groups like arms, legs, and core. Think arm circles, leg lifts, and seated twists.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion: Exercises that improve flexibility and joint mobility, such as gentle stretches and reaching movements.
- Cardiovascular Health: Low-impact movements that elevate your heart rate, such as seated marching, arm raises, and chair dips.
- Balance and Coordination: Exercises that improve balance and coordination, such as heel-toe raises and reaching movements.
What to Expect in a Chair Exercise Class
If you’re thinking about joining a MOVEability class, our experienced instructors guide you through a series of gentle, effective exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Here’s what you can expect in one of our classes:
- Warm-Up: We begin with a gentle warm-up to prepare your muscles and increase blood flow, ensuring a safe and effective workout.
- Mobilising Exercises: Designed to work your joints and strengthen the muscles around them, helping to improve joint mobility
- Cardiovascular Boost: We incorporate movements that increase your heart rate, improving cardiovascular health and boosting energy levels.
- Strength & Flexibility: You’ll perform a variety of seated exercises that target different muscle groups, improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Stretch: Gentle stretching exercise to release tension and ease out all the muscles groups.
- Cool-Down: The session concludes with a relaxing cool-down, allowing your muscles to recover and promoting a sense of calm.
The MOVEability journey is designed to be accessible to all fitness levels, providing a safe and enjoyable way to improve your overall health and well-being.
Find Your Perfect Chair Exercise Class with MOVEability
At MOVEability, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to move and feel good through exercise. Our online and in-person seated exercise classes are designed to cater to individuals of all ages and abilities.
If you’re still unsure about joining a class, watch this wonderful testimonial from Cynthia:
Sign up for a free trial class today and let’s move together towards a healthier, happier you.
Get in touch with us, or book your FREE low impact seated exercise class today!
Related Guides:
- 9 benefits of seated exercises
- What chair to use for seated exercise?
- How to exercise your way to better health
- 6 tips to prevent falls in winter
- What is low impact exercise?